Hearts join football world in paying tribute to Johan Cruyff

HEARTS today joined the thousands of clubs and players playing tribute to Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff, who sadly passed away today

Johan Cruyff dribbles past Argentina goalie Daniel Carnevali during a 1974 World Cup quarter final match. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

The 68-year-old died peacefully at his home in Barcelona this morning after losing his battle with lung cancer.

Hearts tweeted on their main account: “Like the rest of the football world, everyone at HMFC mourns the loss of football genius Johan Cruyff.”

And Jambos right-back Liam Smith, who is set to play for Scotland Under-21s against France this evening, also tweeted: “Sad news about Johan Cruyff.. Created the only trick I’ve got in my locker!”

Smith was referring to the famous “Cruyff turn” that has become one of the most idolised moves in football.

Cruyff was a football revolutionary who was crowned European Footballer of the Year three times.

He helped Ajax win the European Cup three times in a row in the early 1970s before moving to Barcelona.

He was captain of the Dutch side whose brand of “Total Football” changed the way the game was played.

They reached the 1974 World Cup final but lost to hosts West Germany.